New Delhi, The National Capital was plunged into panic on Monday evening after a powerful explosion rocked the busy area outside the Red Fort (Lal Quila) Metro Station, leaving at least Ten people dead and several others injured. The incident, which occurred in a parked vehicle, has prompted authorities to issue a high alert across Delhi and the surrounding NCR.
Explosion Rocks Old Delhi
The blast was reported around 7:15 PM (IST) outside Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, a densely crowded stretch opposite the entrance to Chandni Chowk.
Key Details of the Incident:
- Casualties: Officials at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital confirmed that at least eight people succumbed to their injuries after being brought to the facility. Several others are currently receiving treatment, with some reported to be in critical condition.
- Site of Blast: The explosion reportedly took place inside a parked car, which immediately caught fire. The resulting blaze quickly engulfed three to four nearby vehicles.
- Impact: Eyewitnesses from the Chandni Chowk trading community described the blast as “massive,” stating that tremors could be felt up to 900 metres away, causing buildings to shake. The explosion triggered immediate chaos as shoppers and commuters rushed to exit the area.
Investigation Underway
Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have rushed to the site, which has been completely cordoned off. Seven fire tenders were deployed and successfully brought the fire under control by 7:29 PM.
The exact cause of the explosion is currently under intense investigation. Authorities are probing whether the blast was caused by a CNG cylinder explosion or if it was the result of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
High Alert Across the NCR
In response to the tragedy and the sensitive location of the blast, a high alert has been sounded across the national capital and neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Security has been ramped up at all major public places, transport hubs, and critical government installations.
The incident occurs just hours after a major counter-terror operation in Faridabad, Haryana, where a huge cache of explosives and weapons linked to a terror module was recovered, highlighting the heightened security risks in the region.
Entry and exit gates at the Red Fort Metro Station were temporarily restricted, though metro services remain operational. Police have urged the public to stay calm and cooperate with security checks as the investigation proceeds.
